Permanent metal magnets imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $2.5 million of permanent metal magnets in 2024 (297 tonnes). That is 7% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $3.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.5M | 297 t |
| 2023 | $2.7M | 215 t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 408 t |
| 2021 | $2.3M | 309 t |
| 2020 | $2.3M | 213 t |
| 2019 | $2.1M | 267 t |
| 2018 | $2.3M | 242 t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 183 t |
Where South Africa imports permanent metal magnets from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 78% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.9M | 78% |
| Germany | $125K | 5% |
| United States | $86K | 3.5% |
| India | $80K | 3.2% |
| Czech Republic | $44K | 1.8% |
| Taiwan | $33K | 1.3% |
| United Kingdom | $28K | 1.1% |
| Denmark | $18K | 0.7% |
| Hong Kong | $16K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $15K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.39 per kg, 68% below the world average of $26.42, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Permanent metal magnets exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported permanent metal magnets worth $2.1 million (142 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Belgium (24%), Mozambique (12%), Zambia (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $515K | 25% |
| Mozambique | $248K | 12% |
| Zambia | $186K | 8.9% |
| United Kingdom | $177K | 8.4% |
| Australia | $144K | 6.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $144K | 6.9% |
| Mauritania | $123K | 5.9% |
| Malawi | $108K | 5.1% |
| Namibia | $92K | 4.4% |
| Senegal | $88K | 4.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa permanent metal magnets imports (HS 8505.11): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8505.11: Magnets: permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, of metal.
Common questions
What is the value of permanent metal magnets imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported permanent metal magnets worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 297 tonnes. That ranks it 54th of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply permanent metal magnets to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 78% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Germany (5%) and the United States (3%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 52 supplier countries in total. The Czech Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 217% on the year.
What is the average import price of permanent metal magnets per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.39 per kg in 2024, 68% below the world average of $26.42 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of permanent metal magnets to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024, an increase of 46%. The peak was 2022 at $3.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export permanent metal magnets?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Belgium, Mozambique and Zambia. That compares with imports of $2.5 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for permanent metal magnets?
The HS code for permanent metal magnets is subheading 8505.11. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8505 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World permanent metal magnets trade: top importers and exporters
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